Pacifier and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of a healthy baby younger than 1 year of age after being put to sleep and its cause is unknown. These deaths have decreased significantly since mothers and fathers are recommended to sleep children on their backs, on a firm surface, and offer exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Another recommendation currently provided by the American Pediatric Association based on several studies is the use of the pacifier in breastfed (older than one month) and non-breastfed (before one month) babies. The benefits underpinning this recommendation are as follows:
1. The pacifier prevents the baby from turning on its stomach while sleeping and thus prevents suffocation.
2. The baby still doesn't fully control his breathing so if his pacifier falls it's easier for him to wake up and remember to breathe.
3. The pacifier keeps the airway free and modifies the position of the tongue.
As I mentioned in a previous article, the pacifier is perfectly recommended for children under one year of age and for its safe use several recommendations must be taken into account:
Offer it during sleep periods and don't force the baby if he doesn't like it.
Do not put the pacifier into the mouth when the baby is asleep.
Don't put anything sweet on the pacifier.
To offer the pacifier to the breastfed babies until after the first month that is when the lactation is well established.
For formula-fed babies, the recommendation is important before one month because they have other characteristics that may increase the risk of SIDS.
In order to avoid the negative effects of the use of the pacifier it is recommended to limit its use until the year of life.
Be careful with the pacifiers you buy. Not all of them are safe for your baby, for example the one-piece ones are the safest but if necessary consult your pediatrician for advice on the right size (about 4cm) and the best brand for your baby.
The pacifier also has an analgesic effect and stimulates non-nutritive sucking.
In the end, how important it is for parents to know both the risks and benefits of pacifier use and to make an informed decision.